Toyota's no-show leadership

The last time anyone looked, Toyota (the world's largest car manufacturer) was a Japanese company controlled by a Japanese family. But during the entire accelerator recall crisis -- now complicated by brake problems with the Prius -- they have been all but invisible.

Here is an interesting view on the challenges this approach poses for Toyota - http://money.cnn.com/2010/02/04/autos/toyota.fortune

Toyota's no-show leadership

Diamonds in the Rough

Houston Astros owner Drayton McLane Jr. shares his views on what it means to be a successful business leader in this article -


http://www.sbnonline.com/Local/Article/14470/0/0/Diamonds_in_the_rough.aspx

These are his three key messages:

• Spread the passion
• Make time to connect
• Use your perch wisely

Diamonds in the Rough

Keeping Your Word

Your word is one of the most precious things you have as a leader, but many people think very little of breaking it. This is a mistake for two reasons.

First and most obviously, it weakens your credibility with other people. But even more importantly, it weakens your credibility, trustworthiness and reliability with yourself. You can't help but act in ways that reflect that. So, once you make an agreement and give your word, do everything in your power not to break it. A broken word, like a broken cup, can't hold much for very long.

When you keep your word, that is, keep it strong, keep it dependable, and keep it true, you will know the power of accountability. And when you lend this power to a worthy cause that you believe in, its effect will be doubly powerful.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "Trusting yourself is the first secret of success." But how can you trust yourself unless you honour your agreements and keep your word?

Keeping Your Word